It is now three months away from the 2025 elections and more candidates are running for November races! Today we are profiling Nicole Zelen (she/her), a millennial who is passionate about transparent governance, community collaboration, sustainability, environmental preservation, and evidence-based policymaking. Nicole and her husband both ride vintage Honda motorcycles (photo below) and have two cats.

Where are you based?
I am in West Deer Township, north of Pittsburgh, PA

What is your position/what position are you running for?
I am running for Township Supervisor. There are four of five seats opening up this year, so this is a huge opportunity for our community to elect a board that is future-focused and excited to collaborate with residents.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
I am running a grassroots campaign, focused on connecting with residents directly and encouraging open dialogue about how we could build a better local government. I strongly believe our township should be transparent, accessible, and collaborative. I am also an advocate for responsible development that creates value for the whole community.

What inspired you to run?
I noticed that young people were not represented at the township meetings I attended. I often felt like the majority of the board wasn't listening to residents' concerns. As someone wanting to put down roots and grow my family here, I feel it's important to have a Board of Supervisors who represents the next generation and advocates for decisions that benefit the future of our township.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I am hoping to create more opportunities for engaged participation in decision making that impacts our community. I advocate for fiscal responsibility and government transparency. If elected, I also plan to prioritize informed zoning ordinances that protect West Deer residents' property values, health, and safety.

What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
Since deciding to run for Supervisor in January 2025, I feel like I'm finally being heard, and some of my concerns are being addressed. My biggest accomplishment thus far has been successfully advocating for West Deer to begin live streaming township meetings. This was one of my campaign promises, and with the support of the community, as well as data I compiled proving that live streaming is popular across our county, I was able to deliver on this promise before the primary election. (The board voted in April to approve implementing live streaming.) I will continue to advocate for available meeting recordings and online participation.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
In September 2024, the Board of Supervisors passed an oil and gas zoning ordinance that many residents believe significantly favors fracking companies over West Deer homeowners. Numerous people spoke out against this ordinance and demanded changes supported by research studies and neighboring townships' experiences, but the board argued it needed to be passed and could be changed later. Almost a year later, no changes have been made or even entertained by the board, while oil and gas development has moved forward throughout West Deer. If elected, I plan to propose that this ordinance be revised to include changes and feedback from community stakeholders.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I've learned that political party affiliation doesn't matter as much at the local level. We all want a transparent government and responsible development in our neighborhoods. If we are willing to start from where we agree and focus on what matters in our community, we can work together to get things done and build a better future.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
My psychology degree and experience working at an in-patient psychiatric hospital has helped me learn how to connect with anyone and work towards common goals in difficult times. I believe that being a younger candidate and first-time homeowner is an advantage because I have a fresh perspective and a desire to look ahead, not just around.

What is your motto in life?
Kindness costs nothing and means everything. The future is always beginning now!

Where can we find out more about you?
Run for Something, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Nicole Zelen, West Deer Township, Pennsylvania Supervisor, District 1